Rik Virgilio

During the time that Virgilio served as captain of the Blood Crow, the crew held him in high regard. Eli Vanto believed that Virgilio skillfully balanced the issuing of orders with the allowance of flexibility. Over the eighteen months that Vanto and Lieutenant Thrawn served under Virgilio's command, he and the crew were credited with numerous accomplishments. These included capturing smugglers, resolving political issues on various planets within the Mid Rim and Outer Rim, and providing assistance to vessels in distress. Virgilio had garnered respect from his officers and crew, as well as satisfaction from governors and other politicians with whom he and the crew interacted. After Filia Rossi took over from Virgilio, Vanto initially considered that Virgilio might have been promoted. However, Vanto grew suspicious due to the lack of information provided to the officers on the Blood Crow and the silence from Imperial High Command, leading him to believe that Virgilio might have either retired or been quietly dismissed. Once she assumed command, Rossi began a series of actions that Vanto interpreted as an effort to erase all traces of Virgilio's command from the ship.

Virgilio embraced having Thrawn, an alien officer, serve on his vessel, even though there was some initial awkwardness during the first few weeks as Virgilio assessed Thrawn's abilities and intelligence. Once Virgilio understood Thrawn's capabilities, Vanto noticed a complete absence of any tension or differentiation in Virgilio's treatment or acceptance of Thrawn. In fact, when the position of First weapons officer became available, Virgilio did not object to Thrawn's promotion to the role. Rumors among the crew suggested that Virgilio had actually recommended Thrawn for the position. Virgilio was well-liked by his crew and those he interacted with, and he possessed the ability to effectively balance the issuing of orders with the provision of flexibility.